Israeli military officials have expressed concern about the possibility of an escalation with Turkey in Syria, according to a report by Sky News Arabia published on Sunday.
The report, which cites unnamed military sources, indicates that Israeli defense officials are worried that recent tensions could spiral into a broader confrontation. The concern comes amid heightened friction between the two countries over their respective military activities in Syrian territory.
The report follows an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Syria, an event that has drawn sharp reactions. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, a Turkish official identified as Barak issued a warning to Israel following the strike on the airport. The warning underscores the fragile nature of the situation and the potential for miscalculation.
In response to the rising tensions, multiple outlets report that Israel has opened secret communication channels with Turkey. Monte Carlo International and Euronews both report that these backchannel talks are aimed at reducing tensions and avoiding a direct military confrontation. Euronews suggests that Israel may be laying out conditions for Turkey regarding its presence and actions in Syria.
A separate video circulating online claimed to show Turkish military equipment being deployed in Syria after the Israeli strike. CNN Arabic investigated the footage and reported on its authenticity, though the specific findings of that fact-check are not detailed in the available summary.
The situation remains fluid, with both militaries operating in close proximity in Syria. The opening of secret channels suggests that while the risk of escalation is real, both sides are also seeking to manage the crisis and prevent it from spiraling out of control.
What to watch next is whether these backchannels yield any tangible de-escalation measures or if the military posturing on the ground continues to intensify.
